For Mother's Day, my mom, Ashton and I went to see the new movie Mom's Night Out. I have to admit that I hadn't really heard anything about the movie until Kirk Cameron posted about it on his Facebook page. I had no clue that it was a faith based movie and the preview didn't reflect that much either. But I knew if Kirk Cameron was pushing it, then it must be.
First let me say....hilarious. The story is about a young mom with three kids and a traveling husband. She is at her wits end and on the major verge of a breakdown when she decides to plan to a Mom's Night Out with her best friend and the pastor's wife. The hilarity comes from their antics as well as the antics of the husbands who are taking care of the kids.
Get a group of your favorite moms together and GO SEE THIS MOVIE! It is fantastic! I've honestly never heard a theater full of people laugh out loud like that.
Our weekend started with a fun girls afternoon with my mom. We went to the tearoom Tealicious in Moore. They have fantastic food and it is a real treat for us to some place girlie without the boys.
That evening, I had a horrible migraine come on, so Ashton and I rented a movie and just had a relaxing night. (Tony was at work and Quinn was playing video games....didn't want you to think we were just ignoring them.)
The movie we rented was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This was probably a little more risque than I would normally let Ashton watch (teen drinking and drugs), but the movie was good and I used the situation to reinforce the "Just Say No" concept...:) The movie is about misfit teens that just don't fit in with anyone else but there small group. They are very tight and they really help each other through some tough, tough situations. It is melancholy though so don't think it will be a lighthearted pick me up. It kinda reminded me of Silver Linings Playbook, but on the teen level.
We didn't do much else the rest of the week. We had some interesting weather and the kids got a snow day on Thursday (but it wasn't for snow, it was ice).
We have a pretty packed weekend ahead of us...so it is sure to be fun! I hope yours is a nice one!
You get a bonus on this Book Talk Tuesday...I'm gonna review the book and the movie for Beautiful Creatures.
So let's talk about the book first....
from BarnesandNoble.com Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
When I saw the trailer for Beautiful Creatures, I just knew I had to read the book before the movie came out. So, I quickly bought the book and started reading. The book is really nicely written. It was a smooth read and I thought it transitioned well from each happening to the next. I'm excited to read the next three books and see where the author takes the story. I feel truly invested in the characters. Since having seen the movie trailer, I knew who was playing each role in the cast. It was nice to picture the appropriate face with the character.
Now for the movie...
On Sunday afternoon, we went to see the movie! For the sake of complete honesty, I have to admit that I am thoroughly disappointed. Not because it was a bad movie, but because they made some very big changes that don't follow the book. The acting wasn't cheesy. The CG wasn't cheesy. So, there wasn't anything "technical" that I disliked. It was merely that the parts of the book that I found to be extremely important...well, they either weren't there or they were changed in such a way that it left me seething.
My family and friends, that saw that movie with me (and hadn't read the book), thought the movie was very enjoyable. They had no issues with it at all. So I guess if you take anything from this review, you need to go into it knowing that the book and movie don't match. I almost wish I hadn't read the book before seeing the moive. Which is completely opposite of how I usually like to operate. But in this case, I would say go see the movie, then read the book.
I'm not sure if I will buy this on DVD when it comes out. Maybe after I forgive the screenwriter for making the changes he/she made, I'll be able to find a place in my heart for the movie. But until then, it isn't on my list to buy.
This being the week of love, I wanted us to do some fun things as a family and then also take the kids out on special dates. So, we kicked off the week with a family movie night. There is just something special about seeing a movie on a Monday.
We saw Warm Bodies and all thought it was a pretty cute movie. We have an agreement in our family that you go see a movie for what it is. You can't go to a movie that is a love story about zombies and expect Oscar winning performances or storyline. Seriously...it's about zombies. It was cute and predictable, but we all enjoyed it and enjoyed our time together.
Tuesday night, Tony and Ashton went to Chick-Fil-A's daddy/daughter date night. I've told you how much I love our CFA and all of the things they do to bring families together. This is just another fantastic example.
Thursday night was my turn with Quinn. We went to Hobby Lobby (yep, my boy went to HL with me) and then enjoyed some yummy treats at Baked. It was nice for it to just be me and him. We just enjoyed talking with each other for a while.
Here are some other random photos from our week....
Ashton made adorable mustached fluffies for her class. These little guys just yell "ashton".
We had a little snow on Tuesday. It was beautiful as it was coming down, but what you see on the yard in this picture, was gone within the hour. It has just been too warm for any of it to stay around. But we are very thankful for any precipitation that is sent our way.
Quinn was sick on Wednesday. I hate it when one of my babies is sick. (btw...how in the world can he be comfortable in that position?) Luckily it was a short lived sickness and he was better within a few hours.
Seeing a movie on Christmas Day is a big tradition in our family. But Tony and I kicked it off early by sneaking away on Friday night for a date night. We were originally going to see Playing for Keeps (I had bought a groupon for it), but after Nicole gave it such a glowing review (HERE) we changed our minds. We already had the tickets because of the groupon, so we could either 1) theatre hop and try to sneak into a different movie or 2) try to exchange the tickets for something else. Luckily number 2 worked and we were able to trade them in.
We ended up seeing Silver Linings Playbook. It was such a good movie. It had it's funny parts and it's touching parts. I'm really glad we saw it and spent some time alone during such a hectic part of the year.
On Christmas Day we braved the icy roads and went to see Parental Guidance. HILARIOUS! I wasn't sure how Bette Midler and Billy Crystal would do in a PG rated movie, but they did a really great job. The movie was very funny and the three kids really did steal the show.
I'm hoping to get a couple more movies in during the next couple of days...there are just so many out right now that I am dying to go to see.
Yep! I went to see Breaking Dawn Part 2 yesterday with my girlfriends. I am seriously unsure how to tell you how amazing this movie was. I really don't think it can be over-hyped. Yep! It was that good.
Kristen Stewart has never been my favorite, but as vampire she is beautiful and actually did a good job acting. She was believable as Vampire Bella. Finally, she didn't make you cringe when she was in a scene. Rob Pattinson was his wonderful, glittery self...BUT....he smiled. In the first 4 movies we only got a slight glimpse of Edward when he was brooding...so to see him in the role of daddy was almost magical. If it is possible, it made him even cuter. And Mackenzie Foy was a beautiful Renesmee. And I can't forget Taylor Lautner...he was the perfect wolf AGAIN and yes, ladies...he takes off his shirt.
It is hard to say goodbye to our beloved Cullens and the Wolfpack, but this movie was done so well, I can't be sad. And besides, I have plans to see it tonight and tomorrow too! Overkill? Nah!
Stephenie Meyer, thank you for creating this magical world, these wonderful books and helping with these beautiful movies!
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One of our favorite past times is going to the movies. But you guys know this of course. It has been a sad fall movie season for our family though...we've just been too busy to go. So, when our calendars were a little open during fall break weekend, we took advantage and went to see a couple of flicks.
Ashton and I saw Pitch Perfect...and oh my! We loved it! We both agree we will be buying this on DVD and will probably wear out the disc...so maybe we should go ahead and buy two.
If you were a band geek or choir geek in high school or college, then this is your film. I loved the singing, the drama and the girl cattiness. Of course...the character Fat Amy, played by Rebel Wilson, was my all time favorite character. I could have watched a whole movie with her as lead. And Anna Kendrick, as Becca, was very endearing. She is a much better actress than she was in the first Twilight movie.
I just really enjoyed this movie...so if any of my friends need a girl weekend, I'm in for seeing this again...and again, and again, and again.
Tony and Quinn went to see Looper. I have to admit I know absolutely nothing about this movie. I'm not sure I've even seen the preview, but I found this one YouTube for you to watch. Both of the boys said they really enjoyed it.
We only have a few more weeks of Marching Band and maybe our lives will slow down enough so we can get back to some normal past time fun!
The Friday night before the kids went to my sister's, we went to see Brave, Pixar's new movie. I have to say that I absolutely loved this movie. The story was great and the animation was beautiful! I would love to have Merida's crazy, red hair and those three red headed triplet brothers of hers.
Once the kids were gone to my sister's, it was time to catch up on some grown-up movies. So, on Sunday, Tony and I took my friend Misty to see Rock of Ages for her birthday. This movie was great too. I sang along and danced in my chair the entire time. It was so, so good. All the songs were great and I even liked Tom Cruise (even though I can't stand him).
Monday night was girls night. Jeana and I went to see Magic Mike starring the beautiful Channing Tatum. And the wonderful scenes of him did not disappoint, but unfortunately those were the only good parts of the movie. I am pretty darn forgiving and easily entertained, but man, this was THE WORST movie I have ever seen. The story was weak and the leading girl was horrible. Some of the nude scenes were just in the movie to have more nudity...there was absolutely no purpose to them.
And finally, I ended my grown up time with Wanderlust. The second worst movie I have ever seen. There is not one good thing I can say about this movie...at least Magic Mike had Channing Tatum. I'm just thankful this was on demand and I only paid $5. Sure wish it would've just been the $1 Redbox, but I guess you can't win 'em all.
So I was 50/50 on good vs. bad movies. Maybe I need to give up on rated R movies for awhile....hmmmmm. (I'm sure my mom is vigorously shaking her head yes to that.)
(Our 17th Wedding Anniversary fell on Mother's Day this year, so we deemed it my mother-versary day.)
My Mother-Versary Day was set to be an uneventful, restful day...until we woke up. Our faucet has been acting up and making some horrible noises. So, after replacing every seal twice, Tony decided we'd just get a new one. So, first thing Sunday morning, we went to Lowe's and I got to pick out the new faucet. (And no, the faucet was not my mother's day present.)
After Lowe's, we went to Shawnee to take Tony's mom out to lunch. After lunch, we came home and the boys put in the new faucet.
I really wanted to see a movie, so I decided we should go see Avengers. But...when we got to the theatre, it was sold out. Boo!
So, we saw Dark Shadows instead. I have to admit, I enjoyed the movie. It was cheesy and hokey and the acting was b rated at best. But it was exactly what they advertised. A fun, melodramatic movie!
Ashton and I love all of the Disney Nature movies and try to see them every year during Earth Day/Week. This year's movie has to be my favorite. Can I please have a baby chimp? One that stays a baby and doesn't become a big chimp?
This movie is adorable! Tim Allen narrates it and does a fantastic job! The location is breathtaking. I couldn't help but "ooooo" and "awwww" throughout the movie. You will love it, so please go see it! If you go this week, some of the proceeds are donated to the Jane Goodall Foundation. I can't wait to see what they come out with next year. All of their movies are beautiful.
The weekend that Hunger Games came out, I saw it twice. Yep!
Friday night, my book club got together and saw it in the balcony. I was not disappointed. I actually think this might be the best book to movie adaptation that I have ever seen.
Then, on Saturday of opening weekend, Tony and I took the kids to see it in the IMAX. I was afraid to see it on such a large screen since there is so much camera movement, but I found that it was even easier to watch in the IMAX. Unfortunately, The Warren only ran it for a week in the IMAX...which makes no sense to me. But you can still see it the main theatre and I highly, highly recommend it.
We took the kids see The Lorax a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I didn't think it was as wonderful as I had hoped it would be. I was perfectly okay with the environmental agenda, but the political agenda was a little overwhelming. When I go see a movie, I like to relax and open up my mind to a world away from reality.
From a kids perspective, it was fun and entertaining. Probably not entertaining enough for littler kids, but mine being 11 and 13 were sufficiently entertained. From an adult perspetive, turn your brain off and just watch the pretty colors on the screen and sing the happy songs.
My favorite part of the experience though was the preview for Dispicable Me 2. OMG! I cannot wait to see this movie!
First of all, I hope each and every one of you had a fantastic Christmas. Our was wonderful!
Friday night we celebrated with my family. My parents, my sis, b-i-l, V, and Collin all came over for some present sharing and yummy BBQ. We go to see Baby V open her first Christmas present...she was so cute. The older kids were "cute" too, but not near as precious as V.
Christmas Eve was pretty uneventful. Tony was working so the kids and I visited my friend Misty and her family. Misty had foot surgery on Friday (yes, the Friday of Christmas weekend...yikes) and she is pretty much confined to a chair. We took them a meal and just visited with them for a while. Other than that, I got lots of rest and just napped off an on all day since I wasn't feeling real great.
Christmas morning, we opened presents when Tony got home from work. It is always amazing to me how quickly the present opening goes...months and months of preparation and it is over in the blink of an eye. Later that morning, we spent Christmas with Tony's family and then in the afternoon went to his grandmother's.
Ashton's favorite gift was a 25 lb. slab of clay that Quinn bought for her through his art teacher. She has already made three different pots and can't wait for them to dry and get fired. I think that clay will be the gifts that lasts a year...25 lbs is A LOT.
We typically see a movie on Christmas Day, but not this year. Instead we relaxed it up and rented a couple of movies from Blockbuster. I was very pleased with the movie we watched...Seven Days in Utopia.
This was a great uplifting and surprisingly spiritual movie...I would've sworn it was produced by the same folks who did Fireproof...but nope. Either way, this is a great family film and I highly recommend it.
Well, that sums up our holiday weekend. I am looking forward to another long weekend and ringing in 2012.
We have got to finally see this first part of Breaking Dawn. And, man, oh man...it was PERFECT! It was everything I had imagined. But after waiting a year and a half for part 1, now we have wait another year for the conclusion of the Twilight Saga.
The wedding was amazing. The honeymoon was perfect. And the birth scene was disgustingly fabulous.
I felt like a giddy teenager throughout this movie. And I had all of my book geeks friends with me. It was such a fantastic evening.
Except...our night was not without drama. During the last 15 minutes of the movie, in the balcony where we paid $18 per ticket, a drunk women slipped on a menu and knocked herself out. (Stupid) So chaos ensued and we missed the last of the movie while being distracted by people running around.........and then they turned the lights up on us before the "secret scene" at the end of the credits! Needless to say we were pissed but our gal Becky K had our back and got us all vouchers for a free balcony night!!!!!!! I know, someone was knocked out but maybe if she wasn't a crazy drunk that would not have happened? But at least The Warren made things right and we got free passes to come back.
Nicole and I had awesome matching t-shirts! Of course, we had some people laugh at us, but we rocked our shirts with style.
I am actually seeing it again with Tony, the kids, my parents and my friend Jeana (who wasn't able to go with the big group). I cannot wait to see it again and watch the ending that I missed during all the craziness!
Earlier this week, my friend, Nicole, and I gave ourselves a mid-week treat and went to see Friends with Benefits. I fully expected this movie to be really raunchy, but it wasn't. It is still rated R for a reason, but at least it wasn't raunchy.
It was a great romantic comedy and I was absolutely swooning for JT again. He was on my list years ago, and I guess when I am really honest with myself, he never really left my list. ;) And Mila Kunis is absolutely gorgeous. They had great chemistry together.
The movie had some really serious moments too. Not only does the storyline delve into the relationship between the two friends (and I am sure you can guess at how it ends) but it also looks at their relationship with their parents. His father is suffering from Alzheimer's and her mother is an alcoholic. So, it was nice to see them develop the other parts of their relationships too.
This will be one I'll see again. (Thanks for talking me into going Nicole.)
Last night, my friend Jeana and I took our daughter's (and one sweet boy) to see Monte Carlo.
This was such a fun sweet movie. I loved getting to watch a completely clean movie with my daughter. There were NO cuss words. There were NO sexual connotations. There was absolutely NOTHING inappropriate! The movie was PERFECT!
All three lead actresses were absolutely beautiful! I have to admit, I think Emma was my absolute favorite and her story is such a good one...one of the grass not being greener.
We will definitely be buying this one for our DVD collection.
I got to have a Girlfriend night on Friday night...Jeana, Nicole and I went to see Horrible Bosses. And let me tell you....spend the money on this one. It is hilarious! I was laughing out loud...I even think I slapped my knee once or twice.
I can't wait to see this again. I definitely want to take Tony to see it. He will love it!
The actors were fantastic and Jason Bateman is just too cute to pass up. The only negative I have about the movie is Jennifer Aniston as the ManEater. She is just too sweet to pull off this role, but the good thing is that her character isn't it in the film an overwhelming amount of time.
And...this is definitely an R rated movie. Lots of cussing and sexual material, but no full out nudity.
This is an HBO original movie that I highly recomend you watch. I found it at Blockbuster after Tony said they watched it the fire station and thought it was amazing.
The story is about a woman named Temple Grandin. An autistic woman who overcame the limitations imposed on her by her condition to become an expert in the field of animal husbandry. She developed an interest in cattle early in life while spending time at her Aunt and Uncle's ranch. She did not speak until age four and had difficulty right through high school, mostly in dealing with people. Her mother was very supportive as were some of her teachers. She is noted for creating her 'hug box', widely recognized today as a way of relieving stress and her humane design for the treatment of cattle in processing plants, even winning an award from PETA. Today, she is a professor at Colorado State University.
You will not regret spending two hours to watch this movie. Go rent it! NOW!
may·hem [mey-hem, mey-uhm]noun: a state of rowdy disorder
This definitely describes the movies that we have watched the last couple of days. You see...we took the kids to Missouri on Saturday, so now we have a full week without impressionable children in the house...hehehe. Really, it is the perfect time for us to let our freak flags fly and enjoy a little inappropriate movie watching.
So, we kicked it all off on Saturday night by renting The Hangover and Easy A. Tony had seen The Hangover and I had seen Easy A. I think we both enjoyed watching each other's reactions. The Hangover was as raunchy as they come (at least that is what I thought on Saturday night). Easy A isn't necessarily raunchy, but I don't recommend it for a family movie night.
Sunday afternoon, we went to see The Hangover 2 at The Warren. Holy Cow! This movie was as inappropriate as they come. Things that would have been considered X rated back in the 80's are now in R movies. Don't get me wrong, I was rolling in the aisles...but there are only so many penises one can see in one movie.
We also watched a couple more rentals on Sunday. We started with Date Night, which was adorably hilarious. I just love both Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. Then we watched No Strings Attached. Again...two great leads: Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. They are both so adorable and this is a great romantic comedy.
Tonight, Nicole and I met at The Warren for some Monday night movie fun and we saw Bad Teacher with Cameron Diaz. Not quiet as raunchy as The Hangover movies, but it certainly earned it's R rating. It was cute and the goofy things they wanted you to laugh at...well, we laughed at 'em. And I really thought Cameron Diaz was fantastic in this naughty role. But again...not appropriate for a family movie night.
So, now I am wrapping up my movie watching weekend with The Switch...so far so good...pretty darn cute.
But let me ask...Is it really possible for one person to watch this many movies in 3 days? I guess it is when the kids are gone and there a lot of movies to catch up on and it is over 100 degrees outside. What else is one to do?
I am married to my best friend and am the mom of two wonderful kids. I have had my ups and downs in regards to health, happiness and weight loss. This blog will tell you about all of those ups and downs and my opinion on the randomness that we call life.
